7 April 2022

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I am writing to let you know that this morning one of our residents at our Avondale Heights Home has tested positive to COVID-19.  Regrettably this means that we are required to immediately reintroduce a precautionary response to safeguard our Home.

The resident is comfortable and isolating in their room, and the family of this resident has been notified.

Currently no other residents are showing symptoms of COVID-19.  The Home has already completed a round of RAT testing today and there are no further residents who have tested positive.  RAT testing for residents will now revert to daily testing until we have a clearance.  We will advise you and the relevant family members if any other resident tests positive.

No known staff members have tested positive to COVID-19.  All staff will continue to be tested before commencing their shifts.  Staff are wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents, and we have implemented our outbreak management plan.

Our staff continue in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standard of infection control practices are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s health status.   For further information you can reach out to our administration staff at Avondale Heights by calling on 9325 0000.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

For more support and advice during this time, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981 or Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria on 1800 171 866.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.

We will keep in touch on a regular basis to inform you of any changes to the situation.

Doutta Galla appreciates your support during this time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO